I wanted something deeply satisfying and quick—and this little beauty did not let me down. From hand-dyeing the indigo (recipe on my blog) to big-stitch hand quilting it together (there’s a tutorial for that too), I loved every minute. The name tips its hat to Nancy Cabot’s traditional “Building Blocks,” first seen in the Chicago Tribune in the 1930s. Mine began as an indigo-and-flannelette experiment; the pattern you’ll sew is written for quilting cotton so beginners can bind with ease.
A classic, graphic baby-size quilt with a calm, modern feel. Clean geometry, cozy texture, and a rhythm that makes it perfect for a weekend make or a meaningful gift.
Skill Level
Beginner
What’s Included (and why you’ll love it)
• Step-by-step instructions for making a finished 42″ × 42″ baby quilt
• Clear cutting charts and simple patchwork piecing (no triangles)
• Block layout guidance inspired by Cabot’s “Building Blocks” motif
• Binding installation steps for a polished edge
• Printer-friendly PDF with a clean, minimal layout
• 100% original pattern
• Downloadable PDF
Design Features
• Traditional “Building Blocks” layout refreshed in a bold, two-tone palette
• Neat, classic binding for a crisp finish
• Backing assembled from two WOF panels (or use wide-back if you prefer)
• Works beautifully with solids, hand-dyed fabrics, or a restrained scrappy look
Construction & Techniques
• ¼″ seam allowance throughout
• Straightforward strip-cut squares; no HSTs/QSTs—great for true beginners
• Make one center block + four corner blocks; assemble into a simple grid
• Binding instructions included (I cover this in my Quilt Workshop more thoroughly; free tutorial on my blog)
Materials & Specs
• Finished Size: 42″ × 42″
• All Exshaw Quilts patterns assume 42″ usable WOF and ¼″ seam allowance
• Fabric (quilting cotton recommended):
– Dark/Medium Indigo: 1½ yards
– Light Blue/Printed Indigo: 3/8 yard
– Bone (light neutral): 3/8 yard
• Batting: one 46″ × 46″ piece
• Backing: 2⅞ yards
• Binding: ⅜ yard
• Note: The sample began as an indigo-dyed flannelette experiment, but the pattern is written for quilting cotton—flannelette can be bulky at the binding and isn’t recommended for beginners.
Some makes invite you to slow down, stitch by stitch. Cabot Patch has that steady, soothing rhythm—simple cuts, unfussy seams, and room to play with tone. It’s the kind of quilt you’ll finish with a happy sigh and want to make again.
All sales are final. If you have questions before purchasing, please reach out—I want you to feel confident in your purchase.
Thank you so much for supporting my work. It means the world to me that something I designed might find its way into your everyday life.
With warmth,
Kim
Tag your finish with #CabotPatchQuilt and @exshaw so I can cheer you on.
This pattern is intended for personal use only.
I wanted something deeply satisfying and quick—and this little beauty did not let me down. From hand-dyeing the indigo (recipe on my blog) to big-stitch hand quilting it together (there’s a tutorial for that too), I loved every minute. The name tips its hat to Nancy Cabot’s traditional “Building Blocks,” first seen in the Chicago Tribune in the 1930s. Mine began as an indigo-and-flannelette experiment; the pattern you’ll sew is written for quilting cotton so beginners can bind with ease.
A classic, graphic baby-size quilt with a calm, modern feel. Clean geometry, cozy texture, and a rhythm that makes it perfect for a weekend make or a meaningful gift.
Skill Level
Beginner
What’s Included (and why you’ll love it)
• Step-by-step instructions for making a finished 42″ × 42″ baby quilt
• Clear cutting charts and simple patchwork piecing (no triangles)
• Block layout guidance inspired by Cabot’s “Building Blocks” motif
• Binding installation steps for a polished edge
• Printer-friendly PDF with a clean, minimal layout
• 100% original pattern
• Downloadable PDF
Design Features
• Traditional “Building Blocks” layout refreshed in a bold, two-tone palette
• Neat, classic binding for a crisp finish
• Backing assembled from two WOF panels (or use wide-back if you prefer)
• Works beautifully with solids, hand-dyed fabrics, or a restrained scrappy look
Construction & Techniques
• ¼″ seam allowance throughout
• Straightforward strip-cut squares; no HSTs/QSTs—great for true beginners
• Make one center block + four corner blocks; assemble into a simple grid
• Binding instructions included (I cover this in my Quilt Workshop more thoroughly; free tutorial on my blog)
Materials & Specs
• Finished Size: 42″ × 42″
• All Exshaw Quilts patterns assume 42″ usable WOF and ¼″ seam allowance
• Fabric (quilting cotton recommended):
– Dark/Medium Indigo: 1½ yards
– Light Blue/Printed Indigo: 3/8 yard
– Bone (light neutral): 3/8 yard
• Batting: one 46″ × 46″ piece
• Backing: 2⅞ yards
• Binding: ⅜ yard
• Note: The sample began as an indigo-dyed flannelette experiment, but the pattern is written for quilting cotton—flannelette can be bulky at the binding and isn’t recommended for beginners.
Some makes invite you to slow down, stitch by stitch. Cabot Patch has that steady, soothing rhythm—simple cuts, unfussy seams, and room to play with tone. It’s the kind of quilt you’ll finish with a happy sigh and want to make again.
All sales are final. If you have questions before purchasing, please reach out—I want you to feel confident in your purchase.
Thank you so much for supporting my work. It means the world to me that something I designed might find its way into your everyday life.
With warmth,
Kim
Tag your finish with #CabotPatchQuilt and @exshaw so I can cheer you on.
This pattern is intended for personal use only.
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